TURKEY

BUSINESS CULTURE

Anca-Mihaela Caragea

Turkey facts and figures

Capital city:
Ankara
Population: about
80 million people
The largest city:
Istanbul
Official language:
Turkish
Religion: more
than 99% are
muslims

The business culture

Meeting and greeting

Meeting - When meeting shake hands firmly.

Greeting - When entering a room, if you are not automatically
met by someone greet the most elderly or most senior first.
Addressing - Common method is to call a man by his first
name
Punctuality turkish people value punctuality
10 mins late is ok
15 mins call to say you will be late
45 mins reschedule the meeting

Business Etiquette
Types of Dress
Turkish dress is similar to the accepted mode of dress in Western
Europe.
For men - a suit, tie and white shirt. For women - a skirt of
conservative length is recommended.

Business Etiquette
Eye Contact
DO maintain eye contact with your Turkish counterpart whilst
speaking, as Turks take this as a sign of sincerity.

Business Etiquette
Body language
Certain gestures and body language have different meanings
varying from rude to insulting and offensive, such that the
following should be avoided:
Standing with your hands on your hips or in your pockets.
Pointing at someone with your finger.
Showing the soles of your feet.
Making the OK sign with your hand.

Business Etiquette
Be Patient
DONT use deadlines or high pressure tactics during business
negotiations with your Turkish colleagues as they will be
counterproductive. Be patient during negotiations as decision
making can be slow.

Business Etiquette
Dining
Most business entertaining will take place in restaurants. Turks
enjoy food and the meal is a time for relaxing and engaging in
some good conversation. The protocol of Turkish hospitality
dictates that the host always pays for the meal.

Business Etiquette
Gift
DONT offer gifs that are too lavish or personal and be sure to
check that your Turkish counterparts drink before giving alcohol.
The exchanging of gifts is not a predominant feature of Turkish
business culture. However, if a gift is given it will be gratefully
accepted.

Business Etiquette
Schedule of important days
Do not schedule meetings during Ramazan (known in other
Muslim countries at Ramadan). This is a month of fasting. Please
do not schedule meetings from June-August. Many Turks are
away on vacation during this time to spend more time with
families.

Business Etiquette
Business Card
Please use both hands when exchanging business cards. Print
one side in Turkish and one in English. Please have all printed
materials available in Turkish and English.

Conclusions
Always come to Turkey knowing two things.
Your success is defined by your ability to build
effective personal relationships combined with
a clearly outlined and well presented proposal.
Appointments are necessary.
Maintain eye contact while speaking.
Avoid making appointments during Turkish
holidays.